Dicky's Bar & Brasserie sits on Southbourne Grove, the green high street running through the heart of this clifftop suburb. It opened in 2019 inside a converted former telephone exchange, blending easy bar drinking with proper sit-down dining, and has since won over plenty of locals with its warm welcome and produce-driven menu. The cooking style is broadly European, but a distinctive Dutch influence marks it out from the typical coastal bistro.
The food
Seasonal produce and local suppliers shape the menu, so the exact selection shifts across the year. What doesn't change is the Dutch thread running through it, arguably the thing that most separates Dicky's from an average seaside restaurant. Look for satisfying bar snacks such as bitterballen, those crisp-crumbed croquettes stuffed with creamy ragù and served alongside mustard mayo, plus frikandel sausage bites with curry sauce. The rest of the menu is reassuringly European: moules frites come with either the classic garlic and white wine sauce or a curried version, while chicken schnitzel remains a crowd favourite. A separate gluten-free menu exists, and since everything is made to order, staff can usually walk you through your choices, so check the current menu or mention any dietary needs when reserving.
The setting
Inside, the room feels polished without being formal, a cosy, well-turned-out space paired with a proper bar serving cocktails, wine and beer, whatever brings you in, a full dinner or a quick drink. On fine days, an outdoor terrace opens up for al fresco eating and watching the world go by on the Grove. It's an easy fit for date nights, catching up with friends or a leisurely lunch. Worth noting: only children aged 10 and up are admitted, and smart casual dress is expected, giving the place a more adult than family-oriented feel.
Where it is
Dicky's occupies 54/56 Southbourne Grove (BH6 3RB), part of a run of independent bakeries, delis and coffee shops that give Southbourne its village character. The clifftop and long sandy beach beneath it are only a short walk off, so it works well as a stop after a windswept seafront walk. There's no dedicated car park, though free on-street parking usually turns up along the Grove and surrounding residential roads, so allow extra time when things are busy.
Good to know
Booking ahead is recommended, especially over weekends. Smaller groups can reserve online or by phone, and staff typically hold back a handful of tables for walk-ins, so it's still worth calling in even if the online booking system shows no room. Both the hours and the menu can shift with the seasons, so check the restaurant's website before you head over.
For more dining options around the bay, browse the rest of our food & drink guide and build a day that combines lunch at Dicky's with a walk along the Southbourne clifftop.